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The future begins now for prospect Hicks

Mitch Williams chats with Twins outfielder Aaron Hicks about his opportunity to make the roster out of camp on 30 Clubs in 30 Days

By Rhett Bollinger
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MLB.com |

MINNEAPOLIS -- Top prospect Aaron Hicks made his Twins debut on Monday, starting in center field and batting leadoff against the Tigers. He went 0-for-4 in the 4-2 loss.

Hicks, the No. 98 overall prospect according to MLB.com, made the team after an impressive Spring Training. Hicks, who went to camp without having ever played above Double-A, hit .370 with four homers, six doubles, 18 runs and 18 RBIs in 22 Grapefruit League games.

"I feel good," Hicks said. "I just want to go out there and help my team win and just enjoy the moment. Of course, you're kind of nervous. But I'm just trying to overcome it and relax and do what I know I can do."

Hicks got some advice from catcher Joe Mauer, who made a similar jump when he played in his first Opening Day for the Twins in 2004 after skipping Triple-A.

"It's an exciting time," Mauer said. "You can't really do anything to prepare for it. You just have to go out there and play but keep reminding yourself [that] it's the same game, you earned it. This is the first of many, so get the first one under your belt and go from there."